a. Sugar Skulls can be created out of candy.
b. Coffins can be created with a template or have
students create their own coffin. Inside the coffin they draw a picture or a name. Have students change it up by writing about a historical figure or celebrity that has passed away.
Don’t have the time and supplies for students to do this activity in school? Create a digital altar where students can practice then create their own. This activity also has a reflection worksheet for students to explain why they chose to incorporate certain items. This bundle includes a craft, various readings about the holiday and the famous altars.
Fun posters that students can display across the school. Have students color the posters to display in the classroom, halls, library etc.
4. Art and Crafts: Create your own papel picado by cutting colorful tissue paper into intricate designs. or craft marigold flowers out of tissue paper or other materials to decorate the altar.
5. Watch a Film that demonstrates the Holiday. Explanation for younger students: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YYLCyGqDxKM
6. Escape Rooms are always a HIT! Students have to figure out who was the thief of the beautiful Cempasúchil flowers.
Explanation for middle/high school: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_sSawpU81cI
- MORE IDEAS: A popular movie to show is COCO and The Book of Life. Here is a short and to the point movie guide of COCO.
- Cook Traditional Foods: Prepare traditional Day of the Dead foods such as pan de muerto (bread of the dead), tamales, mole, and sugar skull cookies. Make hot chocolate or atole (a warm, thickened drink) to serve with the food.
Don’t have time or don’t feel like cooking?
Order from a local bakery.
Need something for lower levels?
